FAQs

We want our patients to feel as calm and comfortable as possible when they see us. That extends to any questions they might have before even stepping foot in our office. Oral health is an important part of your overall well-being and we understand there’s a lot you want to know.

Below are some of the common questions we receive, but if your question is not answered here, or you would like a more detailed explanation, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll be happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. We look forward to speaking with you!

Ricard Family Dentistry has you covered for all your dental health needs. Regardless of your age and whether you need anything from implants to braces, we offer the same excellent care for every procedure or treatment.

Maintaining a healthy smile is conducive to better overall health. That’s why it’s important to have a doctor well versed in the broad field of general dentistry. Our doors are open, and we’re excited to have you!

For all your general dentistry needs, come to Ricard Family Dentistry today!

Which insurance does your practice accept?

We accept most PPO plans, including:

  • Aetna
  • Assurant
  • Ameritas
  • BCBS (Blue Cross & Blue Shield)
  • Cigna
  • FL Combined Life
  • FL Blue
  • GEHA/Connection Dental
  • Delta Dental
  • Dentemax
  • Guardian
  • Humana
  • MetLife
  • Principal
  • Sunlife/DHA
  • United Concordia
  • United Health Care
  • TRICARE
  • Discount Plans

If you don’t see the name of your plan above or have more specific questions, call us! We are happy to give you any information you need!

Do you accept Medicaid?

No. However, we do offer an in-house discount plan. Contact us to learn more.

Do you take monthly payments?

We do offer third-party financing options through CareCredit and the Lending Club. If you have any questions, give us a call.

What does it cost to get a tooth pulled?

Extractions are based on the difficulty of the procedure. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.

What’s included in the New Patient Special?

The new patient special is $79 and includes an exam and X-rays. Print out the coupon and give us a call to schedule an appointment.

How frequently should I go see a dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends that everyone visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular examinations and cleanings. In addition to regular examinations, you should have X-Rays taken once or twice a year to keep an eye on any structural issues that need to be addressed.

Patients who struggle with gum disease should make their dentist visits more frequently depending on your condition. Regular treatment can prevent the disease from worsening, spreading, or threaten tooth loss.

Detection and prevention are the most important factors in maintaining good oral health for a lifetime. Even if you don’t have any dental issues at the moment, going to the dentist regularly ensures that if a problem arises, it’ll be identified and treated before it can deteriorate.

Do you see children?

Yes. We treat everyone from young children to senior citizens. We feel that children should typically begin regular visits by the time they are five years old.

We want our patients to feel as calm and comfortable as possible when they see us. That extends to any questions you might have before you even step foot in our office. Oral health is an important part of your overall well-being and we understand there’s a lot you want to know.

Below are some questions you might have about dental implants. If you have any other questions, or if you want to know more, give us a call.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are made of titanium and used as a replacement for a missing tooth root. They are placed right into the jawbone and will eventually merge with it. An artificial tooth, or crown, is placed on top of the implant. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, give us a call.

What is a Mini Implant?

Mini implants are just like regular implants, but smaller. Plus, the healing process is even faster. They are a great option for those who don’t want invasive surgery. They are also an alternative option for patients who don’t have enough bone mass in their jaws.

We want our patients to feel as calm and comfortable as possible when they see us. That extends to any questions they might have before even stepping foot in our office. Oral health is an important part of your overall well-being and we understand there’s a lot you want to know.

Below are some questions you might have about porcelain crowns and bridges. If you have any other questions, or if you want to know more, give us a call.

What’s the cost of treatment?

The cost of treatment varies depending on the treatment or procedure. Whenever we go over your treatment plan, we will always go over the cost as well. We don’t want to surprise you after your visit is over. We will also help maximize your insurance coverage and discuss payment options beforehand.

What is a crown/bridge?

All-porcelain crowns (caps) and bridges are used when a patient has advanced tooth decay. Bridges are able to bridge the gap between teeth, while crowns cover your natural tooth.

Can dental crowns fix cosmetic issues?

Yes. Dental crows are often used in cosmetic cases. Our porcelain crows are meant to look as realistic as possible.

Do I need a dental crown or bridge if I’m missing a tooth?

You will most likely need a bridge. Dental bridges are used to bridge an open gap between teeth. It will look and function similar to your natural teeth. Dental crowns fit over an existing tooth.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns usually last for about a decade, however they can last much longer or much shorter.

We want our patients to feel as calm and comfortable as possible when they see us. That extends to any questions they might have before even stepping foot in our office. Oral health is an important part of your overall well-being and we understand there’s a lot you want to know.

Below are some questions you might have about periodontal care. If you have any other questions, or if you want to know more, give us a call.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal, or gum disease, can sometimes produce no symptoms, so it’s good to get checked out twice a year. Noticeable symptoms include:

  • Bleeding/tender gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Receding gum line
Is periodontal disease common?

Yes. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, half of adults over 30 have periodontitis, an advanced form of periodontal disease.

We want our patients to feel as calm and comfortable as possible when they see us. That extends to any questions they might have before even stepping foot in our office. Oral health is an important part of your overall well-being and we understand there’s a lot you want to know.

Below are some questions you might have about root canals. If you have any other questions, or if you want to know more, give us a call.

Are root canals painful?

No. The procedure is very similar to how you feel when getting a cavity filled.

What are symptoms of an infected tooth?

You might not even know you have an infected tooth, but some possible symptoms include:

  • Chips, cracks, or fissures in your tooth
  • Repeated dental procedures needed in the same area
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • Gum swelling and/or a recurring pimple on the gum

We want our patients to feel as calm and comfortable as possible when they see us. That extends to any questions they might have before even stepping foot in our office. Oral health is an important part of your overall well-being and we understand there’s a lot you want to know.

Below are some questions you might have about deep bleaching. If you have any other questions, or if you want to know more, give us a call.

How can I change the appearance of my teeth?

At Ricard Family Dentistry, we offer multiple ways to help you if you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth. We offer Six Month Smiles braces – a faster and easier alternative to metal braces. We also offer teeth whitening in the form of deep bleaching, as well as permanent, custom porcelain veneers.

Do you do same day teeth whitening?

Yes. We offer an in-office deep bleaching, which takes about an hour. We also offer a kit you can take home and do yourself.

Immediate dentures are either partial or complete devices you receive right after a tooth removal procedure. Unlike conventional dentures, you don’t need to wait weeks or months for immediate dentures to be ready.

Below we’ve answered a couple of the most frequent questions we receive regarding immediate dentures. However, if you are curious about any other aspect of the procedure or have a concern, don’t hesitate to give us a call! Our team is happy to give you all the information you need!

If you need dentures to replace missing teeth or already have them and need to have them refitted, contact the experts at Ricard Family Dentistry today!

What are the benefits of immediate dentures?

The key benefit of immediate dentures is that you don’t have to spend any time without teeth. At the start of your procedure, the dentist will make an impression of your mouth which they will then use to create a set of dentures that fit perfectly. Once your procedure ends, your dentures will ready.

Immediate dentures also help protect your gums during the healing process and reduce bleeding. If you’re waiting for a set of conventional dentures to be ready, having immediate dentures will also help you re-learn to speak, as there is a normal adjustment period after your teeth are removed.

Why don’t my dentures fit as well as when I first got them?

As your gum tissue and underlying bone heal and change, the dentures themselves won’t fit as well. When this happens, you need to visit the dentist to have the dentures realigned or refitted.

Dental emergencies happen to millions of Americans every year. If the unforeseen strikes, having a dentist you can trust on your corner can help save your teeth from lasting damage.

It’s important to be able to tell what type of injury requires emergency dental care. Usually, structural injuries that don’t cause pain or bleeding such as minor cracks or chipped teeth can wait until regular office hours. But if you experience complete tooth loss, bleeding, or a painful abscess, don’t wait to make an appointment and call our office right away.

If you are experiencing uncontrolled bleeding, tooth fracture resulting in soft tissue trauma, or have a severe infection, don’t wait. Call Ricard Family Dentistry immediately!

Does your staff speak Spanish?

Yes. A few members of our staff and both of our dentists speak Spanish. At Ricard Family Dentistry, we believe good oral care is impossible without good communication, so we work hard to make sure all of our patients understand us.

Does your office take same-day dental emergencies?

Yes. We do everything in our power to accommodate your dental emergency even if you are a new patient to our practice.